🌿 Malabar Red Spinach (Basella rubra) — Organic Seeds

Common Names: Red Malabar Spinach, Ceylon Spinach, Vine Spinach

🌱 Seed Quality Promise

All seeds sold by Yahuah’s Farm are 100% organic, non-GMO, and never chemically treated or coated.
We do not sell pelleted, dyed, chemically enhanced, or synthetic-treated seeds.
What you plant should be as pure as the medicine it becomes.

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About Malabar Red Spinach

Malabar Red Spinach is a beautiful, fast-growing tropical leafy vine prized for its thick, glossy green leaves, deep red stems, and vibrant magenta berries. Despite the name, it is not true spinach — but it is one of the best heat-tolerant greens available, thriving in summer when traditional greens bolt or fail.

This plant is both ornamental and edible, making it a perfect choice for trellises, fences, arches, and edible landscapes. It produces continuously throughout the warm season and can be harvested repeatedly.

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Traditional & Herbal Uses

Malabar Spinach has been traditionally used as:

• A nutritious leafy green
• A summer spinach substitute
• A soothing mucilaginous vegetable
• A cooling food plant
• A traditional tropical green
• A thickener for soups and stews
• A gentle digestive food
• A nourishing plant

It has long been valued as a heat-season green and a reliable summer food crop.

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Plant Characteristics

Botanical Name: Basella rubra
Common Name: Malabar Red Spinach
Life Cycle: Annual in temperate climates; perennial in tropical zones
Growth Habit: Climbing vine
Mature Length: 6–10+ feet
Leaf Color: Deep green with red veins
Stem Color: Dark red to purple
Flower Color: Pink to magenta
Fruit: Dark purple berries
Attracts: Pollinators

This plant is incredibly ornamental, making it ideal for edible landscapes and decorative food gardens.

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Growing Malabar Red Spinach from Seed

Malabar Spinach is a heat-loving plant that thrives in summer conditions. It is easy to grow and very forgiving.

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How to Germinate Malabar Spinach Seeds

Malabar Spinach seeds benefit from soaking before planting.

Pre-Soak (Recommended)

1. Soak seeds in warm water for 12–24 hours.

2. This softens the seed coat and speeds germination.

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Planting Steps

1. Sow seeds ¼–½ inch deep.

2. Use well-draining soil.

3. Keep soil consistently moist.

4. Place in warm, sunny conditions.

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Germination Time

• 7–21 days
• Faster in warm soil

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Ideal Growing Conditions

USDA Zones

Zones 7–11 (annual elsewhere)

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Sun

• Full sun preferred
• Tolerates partial shade

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Soil

• Rich
• Well-draining
• Loamy
• High organic matter

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Water

• Moderate to high moisture
• Loves consistent watering
• Drought tolerant once established

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Spacing

• Space plants 12–18 inches apart
• Provide trellis, fence, or support

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Growth Timeline

Weeks 1–3:
• Germination

Weeks 4–6:
• Vine development

Weeks 7–10:
• First harvest

Ongoing:
• Continuous harvest until frost

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Harvesting

Leaves

Harvest young, tender leaves regularly.

Stems

Tender stems are edible.

Berries

Used traditionally as natural dye.

Frequent harvesting encourages more growth.

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Seed Saving

1. Allow berries to fully ripen and darken.

2. Harvest berries.

3. Mash and rinse seeds.

4. Dry thoroughly.

5. Store cool, dry, and dark.

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Why Grow Malabar Red Spinach?

• Thrives in heat
• Continuous summer harvest
• Beautiful climbing vine
• Highly ornamental
• Easy to grow
• Great spinach substitute
• Great for trellises
• Edible landscaping plant
• Fast growing